The US Air Force will equip its fighter wing, the world’s largest, with Israel Aircraft Industries conformal fuel tanks.
The 450-gallon tanks, built by IAI’s Lahav Division, are flown to the US to be fitted onto USAF F-16s. IAI is delivering the systems to the F-16’s manufacturer, Lockheed-Martin (NYSE:LMT).
The conformal fuel tanks increase the F-16’s fuel carrying capacity by 50%, compared with underwing drop tanks. The USAF says the fuel tanks greatly enhance the plane’s operational capability, by allowing the underwing hard points to be used for ordnance. They also provide greater operational range before the need to refuel.
Lockheed-Martin plans to install the conformal fuel tanks on the latest versions of the F-16, Block 50/52 and Block 60, that are in production for the USAF and other air forces, including the Israel Air Force.
In addition to the USAF, the conformal fuel tanks will be delivered to the Greek Air Force, which also bought the new F-16s, from the end of this year. Lockheed-Martin has orders for the new F-16s from seven countries.
IAI does not rule out the idea that conformal fuel tanks might be installed in older versions of the F-16, as an upgrade.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on November 28, 2002